Thinking about repairs/upgrades...Recommendations?

Well, riding season is still a few months off for me here in Maine (I'm not hardcore enough to brave the cold and sandy roads!), so I've been thinking about some things I need to do to the 1000R for the upcoming season.

I really should replace the tires, as well as chain and sprockets. My clutch slips a bit when hammering on the 1-2 shift, and I think I'll throw some brake pads on as well.

I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for any of these parts? I know I see the Barnett clutch kits on eBay all the time, but I don't know if they're worth the price of admission? Am I just as well to buy an EBC or some other aftermarket clutch kit? Same on brake pads...any specific recommendations?

I'm assuming chain and sprockets aren't rocket science, but this is my first bike, so any suggestions on brands and/or suppliers are much appreciated!

As far as tires go, I've heard that some tires make these 1000R's handle REALLY funky, so I would definitely like advice on which direction to go. It has Pirelli Sport Demons on it now and they seem to be OK, but I have no basis for comparison so I can't say for sure. Also, can I go any bigger on the stock rims, or should I just stick with stock size tires, unless I upgrade the rims?

Thanks very much in advance for any and all help!!!!

-Paul

 

I am fond of stock clutch plate with after market springs, good long life and no worries aboot basket wear. Metzler tires but just me,they still sell good tires in those sizes.The rest is a hunt that you should post up on.Good luck and a pic is required please.

 

Do you have the oil mod?? Otherwise you're riding a Claymore.....

Check/set your valve clearances and inspect cams for wear.

 

I agree on stock clutch plates too. Less hassle in more way than one.

BZ

 

I replaced my clutch around 52k miles with stock plates and frictions. Best price I found was here: Honda Yamaha Suzuki Kawasaki Sea-Doo Can-Am Ski-Doo Motorcycle Parts ATV parts Scooter Parts personal watercraft parts Accessories Seems there's always something with after market clutches whether noisy at idle or a little grabby.

Yes update the pads. I have Ferodo's on mine and they are a lot better than stock. Also stainless brake lines really are worth it. I wouldn't do without them. Can't go wrong with factory sprockets and a good chain.

 

Thanks for the advice so far everyone! I'll plan on going with OEM friction plates then. Is there generally any need to replace the metal plates and/or springs, or will I be OK to just plan on the friction plates?

I have heard others give good reports on Metzler tires, so I will definitely look into them!

As far as the oil mod goes, the bike does not have it yet. It's got 18k or so miles on it and has no topend noises yet. I haven't done the oil mod because I've heard many conflicting reports (*ahem* opinions!) about whether the 1000R needs the oil mod or not. At this point I'm planning on doing it, I just need to get the time and assemble the supplies to do it!

I'll plan on some good brake pads as well. Any suggestions on who to go with for steel braided brake hoses if I decide to get some? I wrecked my '84 Trans Am due to a manufacturing defect in a Russel's steel braided brake hose, so I'm hesitant to just go out and buy a set for the bike without getting some opinions and experiences from people!

Here's a picture of the bike. She doesn't look like much right now, but I got an extra set of upper and lower fairings (sadly not an extra tail fairing as mine has seen better days, but I do have the solo cowl, just not on it in the pictures) when I bought the bike and I plan to bring her back to the glorious RWB color scheme! Again, once I have time and money! Time seems to be the big key though, because a lot of what I need to do doesn't cost too much!




Thanks again, any additional input is much appreciated!!

-Paul

 

Oh, believe that all of the gen 1 V-4's have the oiling problems! I'm believing it now! I once thought (from what I had read) that the 500's were safe. Then I took a look at my parts engine (which is original to my bike) and it is very BAD. I'm still not sure that I'm going top do the oil mod, since hardly anybody can say exactly what needs to be done, and what parts I should use.

 

Is this a good route to go for the oil mod? Dave Dodge - Oil Mod Honda V4

Or would I be better off to drill and tap the main oil gallery as I have seen some people do?

-Paul

 

I have heard that the 86 vf500's are safe from the top end oiling problems due to a manufacturing change that year.
Is this true? I would definately like to know soon , my 86 vf500 has 40k on it and will def. need the mod if it is at risk of top end damage.

 

Well you may or may not need the "Oil Mod". My 83 still has the original cams in it with 58k miles on the motor. They are still perfect. I'm changing the cam tensioners for the second time though. Back in 85 Honda came out with a service bulletin to change the "oil orifice" at the case just above the oil pump area. Here's some pics of the old(on right) and the new(on left). I did measure both at the time I took the photos. I don't remember both sizes. But I did look up the area dimensions and the newer one was almost twice the size hole. This may be all you need to do. If you need the size of the newer orifice let me know, I'll take it out and measure it again if you want to try that route.

This bike has only had "Golden Spectro" oil in it since new. I'm sure the oil had a lot to do with saving the cams plus it was getting a lot more of it. No I haven't baby'd this bike, but haven't really beaten the shit out of it either. Many long runs between 80-100 mph.

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If honda issued this recal in 85 do you think they changed it by 86? I will start doing some more research myself and see if I can come up wth any answers. Also is there a way to check the cam/cam tensioners without digging into the motor?
Sorry 85vf1000r , didnt mean to impose on your thread...

 

Don't really know for sure if it was 84 or 85 when the bulletin came out. I did put it in 85 I believe. As far as the tensioners go you have to listen to the motor at idle and with some rpms to detect a rattling sound. Kind of like lose valve adjustment. I know the factory book has something in it on how to measure in the motor with out the tensioner and one cam. Doesn't seem to me an accurate way to do it. Don't really know because I haven't tried it. Plus I don't know about the 500. Jamie Daugherty does. Do a search on the site for him.

 

I would go ahead and do the oil system modification. I am restoring an '85 1000R and some of my cam lobes had the wear from lack of oil on them... The engine is being rebuilt/blueprinted by Dave Dodge and he is installing new Stage 2 cams and installing his oil line kit as well... Think of it as insurance, believe me, for what it is costing me for this engine to be done it is well worth the cost and hassle to install! If you find my thread "The restoration has begun...", you can see some of the cam lobe pics that I posted. Good Luck with your mods!

 

Thanks Salvo, I've been following your thread for quite a while, and always enjoy seeing your updates! I've been in touch with Dave and am now saving my pennies for one of his top end oiling kits

-Paul